Slide switch with improved resilient, self-biasing contact

ABSTRACT

An inexpensive, compact and reliable miniature switch means comprises a generally channel-shaped housing having contact means regularly spaced along each of the opposite interior housing walls and a racklike structure extending from one of the walls with a pinionlike switching body being movable in the channel along the rack to selectively establish electrical connection between contact means on the opposite sides of the switch housing. A slot in the upper end of the switching body facilitates rolling movement of the body. A transparent cover plate may be pivotally connected to the housing means for snapfit locking therewith and may have suitable indicia thereon to indicate switching body positions. A separation member which engages the racklike construction and snap-fits in place across the channel separates the switching means into a plurality of switching ranges within each of which a separate switching body may be moved. The switching body is constructed of a first contact bridge carrier portion and a second actuating disc portion held together by projections which form the lugs that engage the racklike ledge means for positive movement of the switching body. The contact bridge carrier portion is positioned below the ledge and between guide surfaces. The contact means are fixed along opposite inner walls and arranged generally opposite each other with the contact means on the wall having the racklike ledge being positioned generally in the area between the rack teeth.

United States Patent 151 3,643,042 Gratz Feb. 15,1972

[54] SLIDE SWITCH WITH IMPROVED [57] V I ABSTRACT RESILIENT SELF'BIASING CONTACT An inexpensive, compact and reliable miniature switch means 72] m J f G u M i h, Germany comprises a generally channel-shaped housing having contact means regularly spaced along each of the opposite interior [73] Assgneei Siemens housing walls and a racklike structure extending from one of [22] Filed: June 16, 1970 the walls with a pinionlike switching body being movable in the channel along the rack to selectively establish electrical PP 46,651 connection between contact means on the opposite sides of Y the switch housing. A slot in the upper end of the switching [30] Foreign Application priority Data body facilitates rolling movement of the body. A transparent cover plate may be pivotally connected to the housing means June 6, 1969 Germany ..P 19 30 558.9 for m locking therewith and may have suitable i i i thereon to indicate switching body positions. A separation [52] US. Cl. ..200/16 D, 200/168 R member which engages the racklike construction d Snapfl's [51] 15/08 in place across the channel separates the switching means into [58] Field of Search ..200/16 R, 16 D, 168 a plurality of switching ranges within each f which a separate switching body may be moved. The switching body is con- [56] References structed of a first contact bridge carrier portion and a second UNITED STATES PATENTS actuating disc portion held together by projections which fonn the lugs that engage the racklike ledge means for positive 3,104,299 9/1963 K001 et a1 ..200/168 G X movement of the switching body, The contact bridge carrier 3,225,151 12/1965 Lagasse ..200/168 A X ortion is positioned below the ledge and between guide 3,348,013 1967 gg 200/168 A faces. The contact means are fixed along opposite inner walls 3,501,599 3/1970 Horecky ..200/ 16 R Primary Examiner-J. R. Scott Attorney-Hill, Sherman, Meroni, Gross & Simpson and arranged generally opposite each other with the contact means on the wall having the racklike ledge being positioned generally in the area between the rack teeth.

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SLIDE SWITCH WITH IMPROVED RESILIENT, SELF- BIASING CONTACT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the lnvention This invention generally relates to electrical control apparatus and more particularly regards a miniature switch means that is insertable into a larger switch panel. The miniature switch means includes at least one switching body member positively movable in a rack and pinion manner through a switching range in a generally channel-shaped housing member for the selective connection of electrical contacts fixed along the walls of the channel in the housing member.

2. Prior Art It is desirable in communication engineering to design the electromechanical construction elements, such as switches, relays, etc., as small as possible so that such construction ele ments do not take a disproportionate amount of space as compared with the purely electrical parts of the usual integrated or printed circuit. In such miniature circuits the switch means may be the limiting factor on the size of the circuit and hence it is important that they be as small as possible. At the same time however, the functioning, reliability and ease of operation must not be impaired.

It is very difficult with slide-type switches of the prior art construction wherein a switching body, for example, is moved linearly with the help of a handle to connect fixed contacts with each other in individual switching positions, to adjust the switch to compensate for both the friction occuring during the operation of the switching body and an impedance factor which is peculiar to the individual switching positions so that a clear and safe switching can be made from one switch position to the next.

I have thus found lacking in the prior art a miniature switch which overcomes the above-noted difficulties, which is particularly suitable for insertion into switching panels, which may be produced easily with the methods of economical mass production, and which is compact and safe in operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The short comings of the prior art are overcome by the miniature switch means according to this invention wherein a switching body which may be broadly characterized as a pinion engages a racklike means positioned in a generally channel-shaped or tubular-shaped housing and may be moved along the rack in rack-and-pinion-like fashion to provide positive selective connection between electrical contacts positioned on opposite sides of the switching body and spaced along the length of the housing.

An external instrument such as a screwdriver received in a slot in the upper end of the switching body may be used to operate the switch and change the contact connections. The slot in the switching body is arranged according to this invention to indicate the contact means being connected.

In a further development of the invention herein the elongated switch housing containing a plurality of contacts may be quickly and conveniently divided into a plurality of switch means by the insertion of transversely extending separation members. These-separation members conveniently engage and are held by the racklike means on one edge and engage a notch or similar positioning means on the other edge to thereby separate the switch housing into a plurality of switching ranges within each of which a separate switching body may be moved.

The housing means is generally comprised of a bottom plate having sidewall or frame members generally upstanding along opposite edges thereof to form a generally U-shape member as seen in transverse cross section. A suitable covering plate made of transparent material may be pivotally connected at one end and have a snap-fit at the other. The bottom plate may likewise be attached to the upstanding sidewalls or frame members by a snap-fit connection. Contact means such as wires extend through the bottom plate, into the channel adjacent the inner walls and have a first end received in a bore in an inwardly projecting portion of the sidewall or frame portions and a second end extending outwardly from the bottom plate to provide a connection means of the switch means to a switch panel or the like. The portions of the contact wires in the channel area form the contact means which are engaged by the switching body. A row of the contact wires is positioned in spaced relation along each of the sidewalls with the contact wire contact means being generally opposite of each other. The inner walls are generally parallel to and opposite each other with the bottom plate providing a guide surface. Each of the upstanding sidewalls or frame portions has an inwardly projecting portion spaced from the bottom, which inward portion has a second guide surface thereon.

A racklike ledge means spaced from the bottom plate extends into the channel and is generally parallel to the bottom guide surface and bottom plate. 1

The switching body which is contained by the guide surfaces and moves between the inner walls of the side frame advantageously is constructed of a first contact bridge carrier portion and a second actuating disc portion. The contact bridge carrier portion is positioned below the ledge and between the guide surfaces which the actuating disc is above the ledge and is connected to the contact bridge carrier portion by connector means. The connector means may take the form of a pair of eccentric projections on the actuating disc which are received in conforming bores in the contact bridge carrier. A spring means positioned between the first guide surface and the contact bridge carrier urges the contact bridge carrier against the second guide surface. The second guide surface and the portion of the contact bridge carrier engaging the second guide surface may have generally conforming recesses or projections which are located along the second guide surface and on the contact bridge carrier to thereby position the contact bridge of the switching body between the contact means thereby facilitating the selective connection of the opposite contact means. Lugs are formed on the switching body by the projection connecting the actuating disc with the contact bridge barrier and these lugs are received in the spaces between the teeth of the rack whereby the switching body may be positively moved-with the lugs being received between adjacent teeth to thereby move the contact bridge into connection with a selected pair of opposed contact means. The contact means are fixed along the inner walls and arranged with the contacts along one wall generally opposite those along the opposing wall.

It is a special advantage of the miniature switch means according to the invention that can be designed very flat and that it can also be provided with a plurality of switching bodies which may be operated independent from each'other depending upon the switching task to be perfonned. If the switch is to be provided with several switching bodies, it is practical to separate the decks or series of contact means which are swept over by the individual switching bodies through the use of separation members snapable in the channel. Each of the separation members may be provided with openings for the insertion of forceps or similar installation tools.

The contact bridge includes an omega-shaped contact spring having a triangularly shaped inner shank portion and opposite free end portions. The opposite free end portions are slotted and formed to become double contacts thereby insure reliable engagement with the contact means. The inner triangular-shaped portion is fitted on a conforming lug on the contact bridge carrier to hold the contact spring in position.

Although the preferred embodiment of the invention disclosed herein indicates that the switch is straight, that the racklike ledge means project from one wall of the channelshaped housing, it is to be understood that the invention herein is not so limited. Thus, the rack need not be of a ledgelike construction spaced from and parallel to the bottom guide surface, but may have an operating plane of to the guide planes. Also the housing need not be channel shaped but may be tubular and may be curved of other configurations rather than being straight so that the switching body moves in a circular or other curved path. Moreover, the switching body need not be moved by mechanical means but may be moved by other means such as magnets or a movement of the rack.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent from the following description of certain preferred embodiments thereof, taken in conjection with the accompanying drawings, although variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the disclosure, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a miniature switch means wherein a covering plate which encloses the channel is shown partly in section to. better reveal the construction of the switch;

FIG. 2 is a vertical cross section through the installation switch along the lines Il-Il of FIG. 1 showing the confinement of the switching body in the channel-shaped housing;

' FIG. 3 is a cross section through the installation switch taken along the lines IIIIII of FIG. 1 with the exception that the separation member has not been included;

FIG. 4 is a horizontal cross section taken along the lines lV-IV of FIG. 2 showing the miniature switch means as seen from below;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the miniature switch means with the housing walls removed in portions to illustrate the attachment of the bottom plate to the frame and the relationship of the cover plate to the housing member;

FIG. 6 is an end view of the miniature switch means of FIG. Sas seen from the right to illustrate the relationship of the cover pivot pin to the housing frame;

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of two different ways of installing the miniature switch means of the invention in a switching panel represented by the dash dot line.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT tional configuration. A plurality of contact means portions 3a of a contact wire 3 are positioned along the opposite inner walls 20 in electrically insulated relationship to each other. By movement of the switching body 1 thecontact means 3a are electrically connected in generally predetermined relationship.

As shown in FIG. 2 the operation disc 21 is provided with a pair of eccentrically positioned projections 4 having a section 4a at their end of smaller diameter. The projections 4 extend into bores 22a in the upper portion of the contact-bridge carrier 22 and in this way connect the operation disc 21 to the contact-bridge carrier 22. The larger diameter sections of the projections 4 function as spacing means to positively space the operation disc 21 from the contact-bridge carrier 22 of the switching body 1. A ledge 5 which takes the form of a toothrack-like structure projects from one of the inner sidewalls 20 into the channel in spaced, generally parallel relationship to the channel bottom. The ledge S'extends only a portion of the way across the channel and is at a height above the bottom to engage the enlarged portions of the projection 4 whereby the enlarged projections 4 function as lugs. In this manner the switching body 1 functions as a pinion with the lugs 4 being received between the adjacent teeth of the racklike ledge 5 so that the switching body 1 may be in effect rolled along the rack. The lugs 4 will be separated to accommodate the tooth configuration of the rack. It is also possible that a greater number of lugs may be used to connect the operation disc 21 with the contact-bridge carrier 22. The inner wall 20 opposite the inner wall having the ledge 5 thereon is of a generally smooth configuration to allow the switching body to pass thereover. From this construction it may be seen that the switching body may be moved in a positive manner along the channel-shaped housing B to selectively connect opposed contact means 3a.

A contact bridge 2 may be seen in FIG. 4 to be of a single piece of material in an omega plan configuration. The spring may be made of gold-plated copper-berylIium-bronze to possess not only good electrical conducting properties but also to have resilient spring properties. An inner shank portion 2a of the spring 2 forms a triangular ear for its attachment over a correspondingly shaped lug 31 on the contact-bridge carrier whereby the contact spring 2 is secured to the contact-bridge carrier. To prevent the contact bridge spring 2 from turning about the lug 31, the inner shanks of the spring adjacent the triangular portion 2a are brought together and guided into a slot 32 on the contact-bridge carrier 22. The free shanks 2b of the spring contact 2 are slotted or bifurcated and shaped to form a pair of contact points 19 on opposite sides of the switching body 1 whereby these formed contact areas .19 connect opposite contact means 3a. As shown in FIG. 2 for example, the individual contact portions 19 are arched calotte shaped to facilitate movement and assure reliable contact with the contact means 3a.

The contact spring carrier 22 is confined at its top and bottom between guide surfaces generally indicated at 25. These guide surfaces 25 include a first guide surface 25a in the bottom plate 11 and a second guidesurface 25b on the lower portion of an inwardly projecting portion 6a of the sidewall 6. A cylindrical lug 23 of the contact-bridge carrier 22 forms a guide member for a resilient means 9 which may take the form of a screw spring. The spring means 9'as shown in FIG. 2 has a first upper end bearing against a disc 10 that surrounds the cylindrical lug 23 and bears against the contact-bridge carrier 22 and a second end received in a potlike member 30 which in turn engages the first guide surface 25a in the bottom plate 11. This cup-shaped member 30 facilitates sliding of the switching body 1 and prevents the spring from coming into contact with the housing. In this manner the spring means 9 urges the contact-bridge carrier 22 against the second guide surfaces 25b.

The guide surfaces 25 have projections 7 thereon which are positioned at each of the individual switching or cross-contacting positions of the switch as may be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. Mating notches 8 are provided on the upper edge of the carrier body 22 at opposite ends thereof so that when the switching body 1 is in switching position extending transversely across the channel C and extending between the contact means 3a. the notch 8 will be below the guide surface 25b and will be receiving the projections 7. This notch-fit means allows rapid change of the switch from one connection to another and assures the positive positioning of the switching body and the correct position at each contact point. Additional protrusions 26 which are arranged on the teeth of the ledge 5 prevent a wobbling of the contact-bridge carrier when it transfers from one switching position to another. The protrusions 26 are of the same height as the projections 7 and thus forms additional support points for the contact-bridge carrier 22 when it is in position.

The operation disc 21 may be provided with a slot 24 into which a screwdriver can be inserted to turn the switching bodies 1. During this turning operation a first one of the eccentrically arranged lugs 4 of the operation disc 21 will mesh with one of the teeth on the ledge means 5 whereby the lug will form a turning axis therewith around which the switching body 1 will rotate. As the body pivots about the first lug portion the second lug portion will move in an arc from an adjacent tooth on one side of the tooth in which the first lug is in, to an adjacent tooth on the other side of that tooth at which point the second lug will become the pivot and the first lug will rotate. In such manner the switching body 1 may be moved along the guide surfaces 20 through a range of switching contacts. When the bridge carrier 22 is in position between the opposite sidewalls of the housing as shown in FIG. 4 it will connect two opposite contacts 30 which are fixed opposite each other on the housing frame B and thereby perform the advantageous functions of this invention. The adjustment of the switch is greatly facilitated by the fact that the actuating slot will always be positioned vertical to the direction of movement of the switching body and clearly indicate the switching contacts being connected. To better identify the position of the slot and the connection suitable indicia such as colored marks for example may be placed on the actuating disc. In addition, a cover 14 may also have corresponding indicia to facilitate operation.

The contact wire 3 has a first end 3b, a contact means portion 3a, an embedded portion 3c, and a second free end portion 3d. The first end 3b of the contact wire 3 extends into a bore 12 on an inwardly projecting portion 6a of the housing sidewall frame. The embedded portion 30 extends through the bottom plate 11 and, as indicated in FIG. 2 may have a curved portion to accurately seat it therein. The section of the contact wire 3 which lies free between the bore 12 and the bottom plate 11 respectively forms the contact means 3a which is fixedly positioned along the longitudinal wall of the channel. The second free end 3d extends outwardly from the housing bottom 11 to provide an external connection means to a switching plate such as is schematically illustrated in FIG. 7 at 40. FIG. 7 also illustrates an embodiment A1 of the switch means wherein the second ends take different configurations such as shown at 3e and 3f. This serves to illustrate the great flexibility of this very economical construction. Other variations within the scope and teaching of this invention are also contemplated.

Another important feature of this invention which illustrates its inherent flexibility may be seen in FIG. 1 wherein there is shown a separation member 18 which may be inserted into the toothing of the ledge means 5. The separation member 18 has a first edge 18a and a second edge 18b with the first edge 18a meshing with the racklike ledge means 5 along one inner wall of the housing means B. The second edge 18b of the separation member detachably engages an opposite inner wall whereby the separation member may be detachably locked in a position separating the switch means into a plurality of switching areas. As shown the separation member may include a locking protrusion29 on the second end 18b which locking protrusion 29 engages a recess 27 in the opposite wall. Insertion and removal of the separation body 18 from the housing channel may be facilitated by the provision of two openings 28 into which the tips of forceps or other suitable instruments may bereceived. By means of the separation members an elongated switch means may be in effect divided to form, several switches each of which may be operated independent from each other and be accommodated in one housing. The separation members 18 thereby respectively limit the movement of the individual switching bodies 1 to a limited range of contact means 3a. The separation bodies may be taken out or shifted as required while the switching means is in position on the switching panel. In this means a plurality of switching means may be predisposed on switching panels and yet provide a great deal of flexibility of operation under changing conditions. The separation members 18 may also function as programming guides so that the switching may be effected by moving the switching body from one separation member to the other. The combinations and premutations of course are unlimited and when it is further considered that the housing may take any number of configurations it may be seen that with this invention that unparalleled economical and flexible switching may be obtained.

Asprotection against dust and dirt, the switch housing has a covering plate 14 which advantageously consists of a transparent plastic material so that the position of the switch body may be determined with the cover in place. It is also a feature of this invention that the covering plate may be provided with indicia to mark the position of the switching body and to generally facilitate operation thereof. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 it may be. seen that the cover 14 may be pivotally attached at one end thereof to the frame portion 6 by means of a hinge bolt 15. As it may be seen especially from FIG. 6, a center section of the hinge bold 15 is guided through a recess 6b in the frame portion 6 of the switch housing means. The section of the hinge bolt 15 which lies freely within the recess 6b can, after the covering plate is fastened at the frame with the help of the hinge bolt, be bent as shown at 16 which bend prevents the hinge bolt 15 from falling out. This advantageous construction feature greatly facilitates the installation of the cover 14. The transparent cover plate 14 and the lateral edge of the frame portion 6 may be provided with ciphers 17 whereby the respective switching position of a switching body can be recognized both if the covering plate is closed and if it is opened. At the end of the switching means which lies opposite the end having a hinge bolt, the housing frame portion 6 may be provided with a recess 6c into which the depending hook or snap portion 25 of the covering plate 14 can snap to hold the covering plate 14 securely in position. As shown in FIG. 1 the pivotable side of the covering plate may be provided with a mark, as for instance a red dot 34, at its free end to identify the disposition of the switch means.

Since the bottom plate 11 of the switch housing B is connected with a frame portion 6 of the housing by means of a snap-catch such as illustrated at lla in FIG. 5 which catch snaps behind a projection 13 on the frame portion 6, it may be seen that the entire switch can be assembled without using any screws, rivets or similar connecting means. All parts of the switch means, except for the contact-bridge 2, the spring means 9, the hinge bolt 15 and the contact wires 3 may consist of plastic and thus allow the use of mass production in a diecasting process.

From the above-noted description of the invention it may be seen that l have invented a miniature switch which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art, which is particularly suitable for insertion into switching panels, which may be produced easily and rapidly by the methods of economical mass production using relatively unskilled labor, and which is yet extremely compact and safe and efficient in operation. 7

Although minor modifications might be suggested by those versed in the art, it should be understood that I wish to embody within the scope of the patent warranted hereon all such modifications as reasonably and properly come within the scope of my contribution to the art.

What I claim is:

1. A miniature switch means comprising a housing means having guide surfaces and inner walls, said inner walls having electrical contact means therealong, at least one switching body arranged in said housing to move along said guide surfaces, said switching body containing a contact bridge for the selective connection of said contact means, said switching body having lug portion, a racklike ledge means extending along an inner wall, said switching body lug portions meshing with said racklike ledge means to allow positive movement of said switching body between said contact means through a switching range, said contact means being fixed along said inner walls and arranged with the contacts along one wall generally opposite those along the opposing wall, said racklike ledge means including teeth projecting outwardly from one of said opposite walls, said teeth projecting from an area between said contact means, said switching body lug portion being of a size to be received between said teeth whereby said switching body may be positively moved with said lugs being received between adjacent teeth thereby moving said contact bridge into connection with a selected pair of opposed contact means.

2. A miniature switching means comprising a housing means having guide surfaces andinner walls, said inner walls having electrical contact means therealong, at least one switching body arranged in said housing to move along said guide surfaces, said switching body containing a contact bridge for the selective connection of said contact means, said switching body having lug portions, a racklike ledge means extending along an inner wall, said switching body lug portions meshing with said racklike ledge means to allow positive movement of said switching body between said contact means through a switching range, said housing means comprising a generally channel-shaped structure having a bottom and generally up- I standing sidewalls defining the channel, each of said walls having one of said inner walls, said inner walls being generally parallel to and opposite each other, said guide surfaces being between said inner walls and generally parallel to and opposite each other, and said switching body being positioned between and movable along said guide surfaces and said inner walls.

3. A miniature switch means according to claim 2 wherein said ledge means projects into said channel in spaced relation to said bottom, and wherein the switching body comprises a .contact bridge carrier and an operation disc, said operation disc and contact bridge carrier being arranged on opposite sides of said ledge means and being connected with each other by connector means which are eccentric and which form said lug portions of said switching body.

4. A miniature switch means according to claim 3 wherein said guide surfaces include first and second spaced, generally parallel surfaces, said contactbridge carrier having portions between said guide surfaces, a spring means positioned between said first guide surface and said contact bridge carrier to thereby resiliently urge the contact bridge carrier against said second guide surfaces. 1

5. A miniature switch means according to claim 4 wherein said second guide surface and said portion of said contact bridge carrier engaging said second guide surface have generally conforming recesses or projections which are located along said second guide surface and on said contact bridge carrier to position said contact bridge of said switching body between contact means for the selective connection of said contact means.

6. A miniature switch means according to claim 4 wherein said first guide surface comprises a recess in said housing bottom, and wherein said end of said spring means closest to said second guide surface is supported by a dishlike member which slides in said second recessed guide path.

7. A miniature switch means according to claim 3 wherein said contact bridge'comprises an omega-shaped contact spring attached to said contact bridge carrier said contact spring having inner shanks generally in the form of a triangle, said triangular spring portion being attached to a generally conforming lug on said contact bridge carrier.

8. A miniature switch means according to claim 7 wherein said contact spring extends about opposite portions of the periphery of said contact bridge carrier in the area of contact with said contact means, said contact spring being bifurcated and formed in such areas to present double, rounded contacts.

9. A miniature switch means according to claim 8 wherein said contact spring is of a single piece of material with said bifurcated portion being at said opposite free ends and said central portion being bent upon each other and received in a slot in said contact bridge carrier.

10. A miniature switch means according to claim 2 wherein said contact means comprises a portion of a longer contact wire, said contact wire having a first end, a contact means portion, an embedded portion, and a second free end portion, said first end of said contact wire extending into said housing sidewalls, said contact means portion being exposed in said channel, said embedded portion extending through said housing bottom and said second free end extending outwardly from said housing bottom to provide an external connection means.

11. A miniature switch means according to claim 10 wherein the housing bottom is a separate structure from the housing sidewalls and wherein said first contact wire ends are received in bores in said sidewall.

12. A miniature switch means comprising a housing means having guide surfaces and inner walls, said inner walls having electrical contact means therealong, at least one switching body arranged in said housing to move along said dguide surfaces, said switching body containing a contact bri ge'for the selective connection of said contact means, said switching body having lug portions, a racklike ledge means extending along an inner wall, said switching body lug portions meshing with said racklike ledge means to allow positive movement of said switching body between said contact means through a switching range, said housing means comprising a frame, a bottom plate detachably fastened to said frame, said frame including a pair of spaced sidewalls positioned to upstand from said bottom plate, said housing being coverable by a cover plate, said coverplate being of transparent material so that the position of the switch body may be determined with the cover in plate, said covering plate being pivotally attached to the housing by means of a hinge bolt connected with the sidewalls.

13. A miniature switch means according to claim 12 wherein the covering plate is provided with indicia to mark the positions of the switching body.

14. A miniature switch means according to claim 13 wherein the cover plate has a depending hooklike portion and said frame has a recess therein so that said cover plate may be snapped into and out of a locked position.

15. A miniature switch means according to claim 14 wherein the hinge bolt extends from sidewall to sidewall, said housing frame having a transverse portion connecting said sidewalls, said transverse portion having a recess therein, said hinge bolt being provided with a central bent portion which is freely received in said recess.

16. A miniature switch means comprising a housing means having guide surfaces and inner walls, said inner walls having electrical contact means therealong, at least one switching body arranged in said housing to move along said guide surfaces, said switching body containing a contact bridge for the selective connection of said contact means, said switching body having lug portions, a racklike ledge means extending along an inner wall, said'switching body lug portions meshing with said racklike ledge means to allow a positive movement of said switching body between said contact means through a switching range, said switch means being provided with a plurality of switching bodies, said switching range of each switching body being limited by a separation member, said separation member having a first edge and a second edge, said first edge meshing with said racklike ledge means on one inner wall of said housing means and said second separation member edge detachabl y engaging an opposite inner wall whereby said separation member is locked in a position separating said switch means into a plurality of switching areas.

17. A miniature switch means according to claim 16 wherein the separation member second end includes a locking protrusion, said housing sidewall having a recess therein receiving said protrusion to detachably lock said separation member in place, said separation member further including means thereon to facilitate movement and placement. 

1. A miniature switch means comprising a housing means having guide surfaces and inner walls, said inner walls having electrical contact means therealong, at least one switching body arranged in said housing to move along said guide surfaces, said switching body containing a contact bridge for the selective connection of said contact means, said switching body having lug portion, a racklike ledge means extending along an inner wall, said switching body lug portions meshing with said racklike ledge means to allow positive movement of said switching body between said contact means through a switching range, said contact means being fixed along said inner walls and arranged with the contacts along one wall generally opposite those along the opposing wall, said racklike ledge means including teeth projecting outwardly from one of said opposite walls, said teeth projecting from an area between said contact means, said switching body lug portion being of a size to be received between said teeth whereby said switching body may be positively moved with said lugs being received between adjacent teeth thereby moving said contact bridge into connection with a selected pair of opposed contact means.
 2. A miniature switching means comprising a housing means having guide surfaces and inner walls, said inner walls having electrical contact means therealong, at least one switching body arranged in said housing to move along said guide surfaces, said switching body containing a contact bridge for the selective connection of said contact means, said switching body having lug portions, a racklike ledge means extending along an inner wall, said switching body lug portions meshing with said racklike ledge means to allow positive movement of said switching body between said contact means through a switching range, said housing means comprising a generally channel-shaped structure having a bottom and generally upstanding sidewalls defining the channel, each of said walls having one of said inner walls, said inner walls being generally parallel to and opposite each other, said guide surfaces being between said inner walls and generally parallel to and opposite each other, and said switching body being positioned between and movable along said guide surfaces and said inner walls.
 3. A miniature switch means according to claim 2 wherein said ledge means projects into said channel in spaced relation to said bottom, and wherein the switching body comprises a contact bridge carrier and an operation disc, said operation disc and contact bridge carrier being arranged on opposite sides of said ledge means and being connected with each other by connector means which are eccentric and which form said lug portions of said switching body.
 4. A miniature switch means according to claim 3 wherein said guide surfaces include first and second spaced, generally parallel surfaces, said contact bridge carrier having portions between said guide surfaces, a spring means positioned between said first guide surface and said contact bridge carrier to thereby resiliently urge the contact bridge carrier against said second guide surfaces.
 5. A miniature switch means according to claim 4 wherein said second guide surface and said portion of said contact bridge carrier engaging said second guide surface have generally conforming recesses or projections which are located along said second guide surface and on said contact bridge carrier to position said contact bridge of said switching body between contact means for the selective connection of said contact means.
 6. A miniature switch means according to claim 4 wherein said first guide surface comprises a recess in said housing bottom, and wherein said end of said spring means closest to said second guide surface is supported by a dishlike member which slides in said second recessed guide path.
 7. A miniature switch means according to claim 3 wherein said contact bridge comprises an omega-shaped contact spring attached to said contact bridge carrier said contact spring having inner shanks generally in the form of a triangle, said triangular spring portion being attached to a generally conforming lug on said contact bridge carrier.
 8. A miniature switch means according to claim 7 wherein said contact spring extends about opposite portions of the periphery of said contact bridge carrier in the area of contact with said contact means, said contact spring being bifurcated and formed in such areas to present double, rounded contacts.
 9. A miniature switch means according to claim 8 wherein said contact spring is of a single piece of material with said bifurcated portion being at said opposite free ends and said central portion being bent upon each other and received in a slot in said contact bridge carrier.
 10. A miniature switch means according to claim 2 wherein said contact means comprises a portion of a longer contact wire, said contact wire having a first end, a contact means portion, an embedded portion, and a second free end portion, said first end of said contact wire extending into said housing sidewalls, said contact means portion being exposed in said channel, said embedded portion extending through said housing bottom and said second free end extending outwardly from said housing bottom to provide an external connection means.
 11. A miniature switch means according to claim 10 wherein the housing bottom is a separate structure from the housing sidewalls and wherein said first contact wire ends are received in bores in said sidewall.
 12. A miniature switch means comprising a housing means having guide surfaces and inner walls, said inner walls having electrical contact means therealong, at least one switching body arranged in said housing to move along said guide surfaces, said switching body containing a contact bridge for the selective connection of said contact means, said switching body having lug portions, a racklike ledge means extending along an inner wall, said switching body lug portions meshing with said racklike ledge means to allow positive movement of said switching body between said contact means through a switching range, said houSing means comprising a frame, a bottom plate detachably fastened to said frame, said frame including a pair of spaced sidewalls positioned to upstand from said bottom plate, said housing being coverable by a cover plate, said cover plate being of transparent material so that the position of the switch body may be determined with the cover in plate, said covering plate being pivotally attached to the housing by means of a hinge bolt connected with the sidewalls.
 13. A miniature switch means according to claim 12 wherein the covering plate is provided with indicia to mark the positions of the switching body.
 14. A miniature switch means according to claim 13 wherein the cover plate has a depending hooklike portion and said frame has a recess therein so that said cover plate may be snapped into and out of a locked position.
 15. A miniature switch means according to claim 14 wherein the hinge bolt extends from sidewall to sidewall, said housing frame having a transverse portion connecting said sidewalls, said transverse portion having a recess therein, said hinge bolt being provided with a central bent portion which is freely received in said recess.
 16. A miniature switch means comprising a housing means having guide surfaces and inner walls, said inner walls having electrical contact means therealong, at least one switching body arranged in said housing to move along said guide surfaces, said switching body containing a contact bridge for the selective connection of said contact means, said switching body having lug portions, a racklike ledge means extending along an inner wall, said switching body lug portions meshing with said racklike ledge means to allow a positive movement of said switching body between said contact means through a switching range, said switch means being provided with a plurality of switching bodies, said switching range of each switching body being limited by a separation member, said separation member having a first edge and a second edge, said first edge meshing with said racklike ledge means on one inner wall of said housing means and said second separation member edge detachably engaging an opposite inner wall whereby said separation member is locked in a position separating said switch means into a plurality of switching areas.
 17. A miniature switch means according to claim 16 wherein the separation member second end includes a locking protrusion, said housing sidewall having a recess therein receiving said protrusion to detachably lock said separation member in place, said separation member further including means thereon to facilitate movement and placement. 